[Treatment of traumatic oto-hematoma with transfixed compression sutures]

The effective early treatment of oto-hematoma is important so as to prevent reaccumulation of fluid and the typical chronic "cauliflower ear" deformity. A simple method of treatment with the use of transfixed tie-through compression mattress sutures, incorporating bolster dressings on both surfaces of the ear, following drainage of the hematoma via a small skin incision, is presented. This allows an optimal immobilisation of the skin over underlying cartilage for 7-10 days, preventing the reaccumulation of fluid with subsequent thickening and fibrosis, frequent complications of the other current methods of treatment.